Written by Acorn Sales Company, manufacturing stamps and seals since 1964 · Reviewed by Holly R, VP of Sales and Marketing at Acorn Sales, against the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Landscape Architects and M.G.L. c. 112, § 100 on 21 September 2026 · Updated 21 September 2026
You have to stamp the seal onto two sheets of letterhead and send the impression to the Board. 242 CMR 3.04(2) requires each registrant to “stamp or emboss the seal upon two sheets of letterhead and send the impression to the Board” as proof of compliance, and the Board rejects a seal that does not conform. That makes the purchase a two step process: buy the device, press it onto letterhead, send it in, and the Board checks it against the figure.
The figure is the whole specification. 242 CMR 3.04(1) requires a seal “the design, arrangement, size and wording of which shall conform exactly with the figure below except for insertion of the registrant’s own name and registration number.” Two insertions only. There is no city or town element here, unlike the Massachusetts architect rule at 231 CMR 4.02(1), and no firm name, expiration date or house border. No dimension is expressed in words anywhere in 242 CMR 3.00, so work from the Board’s figure rather than from the approximately one and one half inch diameter 250 CMR 5.03 gives Massachusetts engineers and land surveyors.
The device choice is broader here than for architects in the same state. 242 CMR 3.04(1) permits “a metal embossing device, a rubber stamp or an electronically generated image,” while 231 CMR 4.02(1) tells Massachusetts architects to procure and use a rubber seal. An inked stamp is the practical buy, since you have to press it onto letterhead for the Board and since filed plans are reproduced.
Massachusetts landscape architect seal requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Massachusetts rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Seal required | Yes | M.G.L. c. 112, § 100 |
| Required elements | Your own name, Your registration number and The figure printed in the regulation | 242 CMR 3.04(1) |
| Size and shape | Not stated as a number; fixed by the printed figure. 242 CMR 3.04(1) requires the design, arrangement, size and wording to conform exactly with the figure printed in the regulation, without expressing a dimension in words. | 242 CMR 3.04(1) |
| Device allowed | Three device families, named in the rule. 242 CMR 3.04(1) provides that the seal referred to in M.G.L. c. 112, § 100 “may be either a metal embossing device, a rubber stamp or an electronically generated image.” That is broader than the Massachusetts architect rule, which names a rubber seal only. | 242 CMR 3.04(1) |
| Signature and date | Both, on everything stamped. 242 CMR 3.04(3) requires all stamped or embossed documents to be signed and dated by the landscape architect. | 242 CMR 3.04(3) |
| What must be sealed | All plans, specifications and reports prepared by the registered landscape architect or under the registrant’s supervision, under M.G.L. c. 112, § 100. | M.G.L. c. 112, § 100 |
| Electronic seal | An electronically generated image is one of the three authorized forms of the seal under 242 CMR 3.04(1). | 242 CMR 3.04(1) |
| Renewal and lapse | M.G.L. c. 112, § 100 conditions use of the seal on the certificate of registration being in full force. | M.G.L. c. 112, § 100 |
| Firm requirements | Not addressed. 242 CMR 3.00 prescribes no landscape architecture firm seal and no firm number for the face, and its seven sections cover meetings, applications and examination administration, processing of applications, signing and certifying documents, definitions, examination rules and qualifications of applicants. | 242 CMR 3.04(1) |
| Regulator | The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Landscape Architects | M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 98 to 107, principally §§ 100 and 102, read from the Massachusetts Legislature, and M.G.L. c. 13 creating the board |
Is a seal required in Massachusetts?
The statute creates the duty and the regulation supplies the device. M.G.L. c. 112, § 100 provides that “Every registered landscape architect shall have a seal of a design authorized by the board. All plans and specifications and reports prepared by a registered landscape architect, or under his supervision, shall be stamped with the impression of such seal,” and limits use: a registered landscape architect shall impress the seal on plans, specifications or reports only if the certificate of registration is in full force and if the registrant was the author or in responsible supervision of their preparation. 242 CMR 3.04 then sets the device, the elements and a filing step.
What must appear on the seal
- Your own name
- Your registration number
- The figure printed in the regulation
Nothing is optional. 242 CMR 3.04(1) requires a seal “the design, arrangement, size and wording of which shall conform exactly with the figure below except for insertion of the registrant’s own name and registration number.” Two insertions only. Unlike the Massachusetts architect rule at 231 CMR 4.02(1), there is no city or town element here. No firm name, no expiration date and no house border.
Size and shape
Not stated as a number; fixed by the printed figure. 242 CMR 3.04(1) requires the design, arrangement, size and wording to conform exactly with the figure printed in the regulation, without expressing a dimension in words. The sources here are 242 CMR 3.00 in full, all seven sections. Work from the Board’s figure, and do not import the approximately one and one half inch diameter that 250 CMR 5.03 gives Massachusetts engineers and land surveyors.
Embosser, rubber stamp or digital
Three device families, named in the rule. 242 CMR 3.04(1) provides that the seal referred to in M.G.L. c. 112, § 100 “may be either a metal embossing device, a rubber stamp or an electronically generated image.” That is broader than the Massachusetts architect rule, which names a rubber seal only. An inked stamp is the safe buy, because 242 CMR 3.04(2) requires you to stamp or emboss the seal onto letterhead and send the impression to the Board, and because filed plans are reproduced.
Signing and dating
Both, on everything stamped. 242 CMR 3.04(3) requires all stamped or embossed documents to be signed and dated by the landscape architect. The rule does not say the signature must cross the seal and does not say it must sit adjacent to it, which is a lighter hand than 250 CMR 5.03(6) applies to Massachusetts engineers and land surveyors. The statute at M.G.L. c. 112, § 100 adds the authorship condition: impress the seal only if you were the author or in responsible supervision of the preparation.
Stamp two sheets of letterhead and mail them to the Board
242 CMR 3.04(2) is the rule Massachusetts landscape architects most often miss: each registrant must “stamp or emboss the seal upon two sheets of letterhead and send the impression to the Board” as proof of compliance, and the Board rejects a seal that does not conform. That turns the purchase into a two step process. You buy the device, you press it onto letterhead, you send it in, and the Board checks it against the figure. A nonconforming die comes back.
Which documents must be sealed
All plans, specifications and reports prepared by the registered landscape architect or under the registrant’s supervision, under M.G.L. c. 112, § 100. The statute states no filing trigger, so the duty attaches to the prepared document rather than only to a public filing, and it carries its own authorship condition: only where the certificate is in full force and only where the registrant was the author or in responsible supervision. 242 CMR 3.04 is headed Signing and Certifying Documents and applies the seal, signature and date to those documents. Preliminary, draft and not for construction documents are not addressed in 242 CMR 3.00, which we read in full.
Electronic and digital seals
An electronically generated image is one of the three authorized forms of the seal under 242 CMR 3.04(1). What the chapter does not do is set digital signature criteria: there is no uniqueness, verification, exclusive control or tamper evidence test of the kind 250 CMR 5.03(11) imposes on Massachusetts engineers and land surveyors. The sources here are 242 CMR 3.00 in full, all seven sections. So the image is authorized and the authentication standard is unaddressed.
Renewal, lapse and retirement
M.G.L. c. 112, § 100 conditions use of the seal on the certificate of registration being in full force. Registration and renewal provisions sit in M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 98 to 107 and in 242 CMR 3.00. Because the seal carries a registration number and no expiration date, renewal does not make the device stale and the number does not change. One administrative consequence is worth planning for: 242 CMR 3.04(2) requires an impression to be filed with the Board, so replacing a worn device is not purely a private act.
Firm requirements
Not addressed. 242 CMR 3.00 prescribes no landscape architecture firm seal and no firm number for the face, and its seven sections cover meetings, applications and examination administration, processing of applications, signing and certifying documents, definitions, examination rules and qualifications of applicants. The two insertions permitted on the seal are the registrant’s own name and registration number.
What to check before you order
Order to the figure printed at 242 CMR 3.04, whose design, arrangement, size and wording the rule requires you to match exactly, with two insertions only: your own name and your registration number. Massachusetts states no diameter for this board, so work from the figure rather than from the approximately one and one half inch rule that applies to its engineers and land surveyors. A metal embossing device, a rubber stamp and an electronically generated image are all permitted. Before you rely on the device, press it onto two sheets of letterhead and send the impression to the Board, which 242 CMR 3.04(2) requires and which lets the Board reject a nonconforming seal before you have used it on a project. Sign and date everything you stamp.
Browse landscape architect stamps and seals.
- How to Obtain Your Massachusetts Landscape Architect Seal Easily
- Massachusetts Landscape Architect Stamp and Seal Supplies
Frequently asked questions
Is a seal required for landscape architects in Massachusetts?
Yes. M.G.L. c. 112, § 100 provides that “Every registered landscape architect shall have a seal of a design authorized by the board. All plans and specifications and reports prepared by a registered landscape architect, or under his supervision, shall be stamped with the impression of such seal,” and limits use to occasions when the certificate of registration is in full force and when the registrant was the author or in responsible supervision of the preparation. 242 CMR 3.04 sets the device, the elements and the filing step.
What has to appear on a Massachusetts landscape architect seal?
Your own name, your registration number, and the figure printed in the regulation. Nothing is optional: 242 CMR 3.04(1) requires the design, arrangement, size and wording to conform exactly with the figure except for those two insertions.
What size is a Massachusetts landscape architect seal?
No number is stated. 242 CMR 3.04(1) requires the design, arrangement, size and wording to conform exactly with the printed figure without expressing a dimension in words, and none of the seven sections of 242 CMR 3.00 gives one. Work from the Board’s figure, and do not import the approximately one and one half inch diameter that 250 CMR 5.03 gives Massachusetts engineers and land surveyors.
Embosser, stamp or electronic image in Massachusetts?
All three. 242 CMR 3.04(1) provides that the seal referred to in M.G.L. c. 112, § 100 “may be either a metal embossing device, a rubber stamp or an electronically generated image.” An inked stamp is the practical choice, because 242 CMR 3.04(2) requires you to stamp or emboss the seal onto letterhead and send the impression to the Board, and because filed plans get reproduced.
Do I have to send my Massachusetts seal impression to the Board?
Yes. 242 CMR 3.04(2) requires you to stamp or emboss the seal onto two sheets of letterhead and send the impression to the Board as proof of compliance, and the Board rejects a nonconforming seal. It is also worth planning for when a worn device is replaced, since replacing it is not purely a private act.
Does Massachusetts require a signature and date?
Yes, on everything stamped. 242 CMR 3.04(3) requires all stamped or embossed documents to be signed and dated by the landscape architect. The rule does not say the signature must cross the seal and does not say it must sit adjacent to it, which is a lighter hand than 250 CMR 5.03(6) applies to Massachusetts engineers and land surveyors.
Which Massachusetts documents have to be sealed?
All plans, specifications and reports prepared by you or under your supervision, under M.G.L. c. 112, § 100. The statute states no filing trigger, so the duty attaches to the prepared document rather than only to a public filing, and it carries its own authorship condition: only where the certificate is in full force and only where you were the author or in responsible supervision. That means a Massachusetts landscape architect signs and dates more paper than an engineer under 250 CMR 5.03, whose duty attaches at the point of filing. Preliminary, draft and not for construction documents are not addressed in 242 CMR 3.00.
Is an electronic Massachusetts landscape architect seal allowed?
The image is authorized and the authentication standard is not set. An electronically generated image is one of the three authorized forms of the seal under 242 CMR 3.04(1), but the chapter sets no digital signature criteria: there is no uniqueness, verification, exclusive control or tamper evidence test of the kind 250 CMR 5.03(11) imposes on Massachusetts engineers and land surveyors.
Does renewal change a Massachusetts landscape architect seal?
No. The seal carries a registration number and no expiration date, so renewal does not make the device stale and the number does not change. M.G.L. c. 112, § 100 conditions use of the seal on the certificate of registration being in full force, with registration and renewal provisions in M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 98 to 107 and in 242 CMR 3.00.
Does a Massachusetts landscape architecture firm get a seal?
No. 242 CMR 3.00 prescribes no landscape architecture firm seal and no firm number for the face. Its seven sections cover meetings, applications and examination administration, processing of applications, signing and certifying documents, definitions, examination rules and qualifications of applicants, and the two insertions permitted on the seal are your own name and registration number.
